Effect of biochar combined with a biotrickling filter on deodorization, nitrogen retention, and microbial community succession during chicken manure composting

[Display omitted] •NH3, H2S, and TVOCs emission decreased by 20.04%, 16.18%, and 17.55% in the EG group.•The TN, NH4+-N, and NO3–-N contents were higher in the EG group.•Pusillimonas and Pseudomonas (N-cycling) became more active in the EG group.•Hydrogenispora (sulfur-cycling) decreased in the EG group.•NH3, H2S, and TVOCs removal rates reached 95%, 97%, and 53% in the BTF system. The high-nitrogen content and dense structure of poultry manure compost cause volatilization of N to ammonia (NH3). This study evaluated the combined application of biochar and biotrickling filtration (BTF) to remove of odor in chicken manure mixed straw compost (w/w, 2.5:1). Adding of 10% biochar reduced NH3, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) contents by 20.04%, 16.18%, and 17.55% respectively, and decreased the N loss rate by 8.27%, compared with those observed in control. The organic matter content decreased by 28.11% and germination index reached 97.36% in the experimental group. Meanwhile, the N-cycling microorganisms such as Pusillimonas and Pseudomonas became more active, and the relative abundance of sulfur-cycling microorganisms Hydrogenispora decreased in the experimental group. Following BTF application, the NH3, H2S, and TVOCs removal rates reached 95%, 97%, and 53%, respectively.